Volunteers Galore!

Just as our school sponsorship students were preparing for their final exams, we were able to place two volunteers as English teachers in the Apne Aap centers. Both are native English speakers (one Brit and one Aussie) who came to Kolkata through Global Volunteer Network. This has been an incredible hel pto the students preparing for their exams, as well as for the younger children who were recently enrolled in school for the first time. The volunteers are teaching English not only to the school-going children, but also teaching business skills to the groups that make TEN Products.

Another group of volunteers came from National Community Church, in Washington DC. They were volunteering at Calcutta Mercies, which runs several churches, schools and health care centers throughout West Bengal. The team was given a very important mission - measuring the entire hospital to create a fire escape plan. Unfortunately, most buildings in Kolkata don't have such a thing, and most people rely on water buckets in case of a fire. It was exciting to meet them because I used to attend NCC when I lived in DC, and always reassuring to see other Americans willing to volunteer in this city of joy.

If you're interested in volunteering with any of these groups, or directly with TEN in India, please contact me or visit their websites for more information.